JPPI Warns of Plummeting Maths Scores in TKA Exams, Proposes Three Reforms to Government

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – JPPI harshly criticises the plummeting maths scores of students taking the 2026 Academic Ability Test (TKA) for primary (SD/MI equivalent) and junior secondary (SMP/MTS equivalent) levels. JPPI attributes this to a failure to address the substance of education.

‘Consistently collapsing maths scores prove we remain trapped in a cosmetic curriculum transformation illusion, failing to tackle foundational classroom issues,’ said JPPI National Coordinator Ubaid Matraji to Republika on Friday (29/5/2026).

Ubaid outlined three key recommendations for the Ministry of Education (Kemendikdasmen). First, he urged halting ‘skin-deep changes’ without fixing root causes, criticising policy shifts that ignore substantive issues.

‘We are busy renaming curricula and administrative jargon while neglecting the fact our students lack foundational skills such as numeracy and basic mathematical logic,’ Ubaid said.

Second, he stressed resolving teacher competency and welfare crises, emphasising that even the best curriculum cannot surpass teacher quality.

‘Fix certification processes, distribute qualified teachers equitably, and provide practical classroom-based training—not just formalistic workshops,’ he said.

Third, Ubaid demanded the ministry ensure education budgets actually reach classrooms, including improving learning facilities, providing adequate numeracy teaching aids, and intervening to raise school quality uniformly.

‘Don’t let education budgets be squandered on lavish dining,’ Ubaid said.

Additionally, Ubaid warned that the ministry’s outdated working style, focused on administrative tasks and political projects, must change.

‘If this continues, we will keep lamenting poor test results in future years. We need a revolution in teacher management and radical improvements in literacy and numeracy—not just cosmetic policies,’ he said.